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His season is over. Ballentine finished last season on injured reserve after tearing up his knee in October, and he only managed two games this season. The 2014 seventh-rounder will fight for a roster spot next August. RB Akeem Hunt was promoted from the practice squad in a corresponding move. Nov 12 - 1:31 PM

The reserve linebacker and special teamer tore up his knee last October. If he's not 100 percent healthy for camp, Ballentine is going to have a difficult time cracking the Texans' 53-man roster. May 10 - 3:39 PM

Texans SS Lonnie Ballentine dislocated his left knee and tore his MCL and PCL in Sunday's Week 6 win over Jacksonville.

The one positive is Ballentine avoided an ACL tear, but he's done for the year. Mr. Irrelevant in the 2014 draft, Ballentine had emerged as a significant contributor in Houston's defense, and also had a role on special teams. Mon, Oct 19, 2015 03:45:00 PM

Ballentine banged legs with Allen Robinson on a short pass in the fourth quarter. His was carted off the field with his leg in an inflatable cast. It appears as if he will be done for the season. Sun, Oct 18, 2015 04:03:00 PM

Texans SS Lonnie Ballentine dislocated his left knee and tore his MCL and PCL in Sunday's Week 6 win over Jacksonville.

The one positive is Ballentine avoided an ACL tear, but he's done for the year. Mr. Irrelevant in the 2014 draft, Ballentine had emerged as a significant contributor in Houston's defense, and also had a role on special teams.

Ballentine was last year's Mr. Irrelevant as the last pick in the draft, but has yet to play in an NFL game due to injuries. He has an intriguing size-speed combo at 6'3/219 with 4.39 wheels. Ballentine is running out of chances.

Texans signed seventh-round S Lonnie Ballentine to a four-year contract.

Ballentine was Mr. Irrelevant. The 6-foot-3, 219-pound tackle machine out of Memphis possesses 4.39 wheels and explosive athleticism. He has a legitimate shot to earn a roster spot as an early-career special teams contributor.

It's the last pick in the draft. Compared to past years' Mr. Irrelevant, Ballentine is a pretty legit prospect. He was a sure tackler for the Memphis Tigers and goes 6-foot-3, 219 with 4.39 wheels, an explosive 10-foot-5 broad jump, and a 38-inch vertical. Ballentine was better with the action in front of him in Conference USA, but has tools for more if an NFL position coach and conditioning program can get him to max out his borderline-freakish tools. He'll compete for a roster spot as a special teamer initially.

Depth Charts

That's on his throwing arm. Savage didn't practice Wednesday after being hospitalized over the weekend. Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle said Savage is "making progress" but wouldn't give any specifics. Brandon Weeden served as Brock Osweiler's backup last week against the Packers.

Alfred Blue rushed five times for 38 yards and caught two passes for three yards Week 13 against the Packers.

Blue added some chunk gains on a couple garbage-time runs, but the bigger story moving forward is he took over when Lamar Miller was forced from the game for a series in the first quarter. With the lead back's health questionable at this point, Blue is a reasonable add for Miller owners.

Ervin picked up a rib injury Monday night against the Raiders. He is week to week. With Blue also out, Akeem Hunt will handle the backup duties behind starter Lamar Miller. Jonathan Grimes could also see some snaps. Strong should be nearing his return from the serious ankle injury he suffered a the beginning of November.

He's dealing with a sprained shoulder and is week to week. Tyler Ervin (ribs), Tom Savage (elbow) and Jaelen Strong (ankle) have also been ruled out for Sunday. Miller has been a non-factor this year with just 15 catches for 99 yards and one touchdown over 10 appearances.

It's an upgrade after being limited on Wednesday. Fuller has shown signs of life recently with 119 yards on nine catches over his last two games. He'll carry a six-game touchdown drought into Sunday's matchup with Indianapolis.

Fiedorowicz easily led the team with five catches at the break after catching three quick passes in the two-minute drill. He was only able to haul in one of his four opportunities after halftime, but he still led the team both in receptions and targets, although he did lose a touchdown and some targets to Ryan Griffin. The only pass catcher Osweiler can find semi-consistently, Fiedorowicz is going to be a big part of the offense the rest of the way. He will be a sure-fire TE1 next week against the Colts.

Anderson has not played since injuring his hamstring Week 3 against the Patriots. With Ryan Griffin (neck) questionable, the Texans could certainly use some help at tight end. C.J. Fiedorowicz will likely get the start even if Anderson suits up.

Texans LT Duane Brown (quad) is expected to start against the Vikings.

He practiced all week and should be all systems go. Brown's presence is very much needed on Brock Osweiler's blind side against the new era Purple People Eaters. The Vikings have been ferocious in the front seven through four weeks.

Texans RG Jeff Allen (concussion) was ruled out for Week 6 against the Colts.

Allen exited last week's game with a concussion, and he was unable to get cleared in time for this game. With RT Derek Newton (ankle) questionable, Houston's struggles on the offensive line look set to continue.